Write to your politicians about aviation and global warming

Speak up and show your politicians and national transport ministers that people care about aviation and the climate crisis. If you are in the UK, you can find your local MPís email address here.

Here are some ideas on what to say. You might also like to contact them via social media.

Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss XXX,

I am writing to voice my concerns about our countryís aviation strategy in regards to the climate crisis. As a keen responsible traveler, I am alarmed by the impact of global heating on landscapes and communities around the world.

The aviation sector is one of the fastest growing contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. As the Green Flying Duty campaign - https://www.responsibletravel.com/copy/manifesto-aviation from activist travel company Responsible Travel highlights, we need to reduce demand for flying and show massive, universal commitment to, and financial investment in electric planes and decarbonisation if we are to successfully reduce global emissions and meet the 1.5įC target.

To do this, I believe we need to urgently {choose relevant paragraph below and delete as appropriate}:

{UK} reform and increase Air Passenger Duty to reduce demand, particularly on business/first class passengers and private jets, and introduce a new band for domestic flights. Renamed as The Green Flying Duty, the revenues must be ring-fenced for investment into R&D for electric planes as well as railway improvements.

{Elsewhere} adopt a duty, similar to the UKís Air Passenger Duty, at an increased level sufficient to reduce demand. Renamed as The Green Flying Duty, the revenues must be ring-fenced for investment into R&D for electric planes as well as railway improvements.

There is currently no tax or VAT on aviation fuel. It is heavily subsidised. This makes little sense for an industry which pollutes so heavily. In my view, the aviation industry must reduce its fair share of emissions if we are to reach our global targets. It is time for the airline industry to step up and play its part in a truly, greener future for travel.

I hope you will raise these issues in Parliament and also share/support Responsible Travelís campaign.